WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
Ayurvedic medicine, with its origins tracing back over 5000 years in the Indian subcontinent, stands as one of the oldest holistic healing systems globally. This ancient practice, known as Ayurveda, which translates to "science of life" offers more than just a methodology for treating illness. It presents a comprehensive life philosophy, emphasising the importance of achieving and maintaining a harmonious balance across all aspects of one's existence.
At the heart of Ayurveda is the concept of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether) that compose the universe, including the human body. These elements combine to form three doshas, or life forces: Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). According to Ayurvedic principles, each individual has a unique mix of these doshas, which determines their physical and psychological characteristics as well as their predispositions to certain health conditions. Maintaining a balanced state of doshas is essential for health and wellness, with imbalances leading to disease.
Ayurveda prescribes personalised remedies and practices to restore and maintain this balance. These include specific diets, herbal treatments, massage therapies, yoga, meditation and detoxification techniques known as Panchakarma. The approach is holistic, targeting not just physical ailments but also offering solutions for mental and spiritual well-being.
The system also emphasises the significance of a Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal routine), advising on the best practices for daily living and seasonal adjustments to promote health. This guidance covers aspects such as sleep patterns, diet, exercise, and spiritual practices, aligning closely with nature's rhythms and the individual's dosha compositions.
Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one's life, including diet, lifestyle and mental and emotional well-being. It advocates for a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature and its cycles, suggesting that living in accordance with these natural laws is essential for optimal health.
In the modern world, Ayurveda's principles are increasingly recognised for their potential to offer sustainable and holistic approaches to health and wellness. Its emphasis on individualised treatment and natural remedies appeals to those seeking alternatives to conventional medicine's often one-size-fits-all approach. As such, Ayurveda not only provides a system for healing but also a framework for living a balanced, healthy life, deeply connected to the natural world and its cycles.
Ayurvedic consultation
An important goal of Ayurveda is to identify a person's ideal state of balance (prakriti), determine patterns of imbalance (vikriti) and offer interventions using suitable diet, herbs, aromatherapy, pancha-karma, massage treatments, music, yoga and meditation to re-establish the inner balance
These consultations address a person's health concerns from a physical, emotional and spiritual perspective. Integrating the theoretical frameworks of Ayurveda and modern science, these sessions focus as much on the person who is facing a health challenge as the health challenge being faced.
During a typical evaluation, the Ayurvedic Consultant takes a complete medical and lifestyle history and performs a physical evaluation that looks at the body both as a physical system as well as a field of intelligence, reflecting the needs and choices of a person's life. Based upon this assessment, a personalised body/mind/spirit health-enhancing prescription is formulated, including recommendations on diet, stress management, exercise, emotional healing, nutritional and herbal supplements and sensory modulation.
TREATMENT
Dietary and Nutritional Counselling Customised Diet Plans: Tailored to balance the individual's dominant dosha and address specific health concerns. Nutritional Guidance: Recommendations on foods that align with Ayurvedic principles to enhance digestion, detoxification and nourishment.
Herbal Treatments Herbal Supplements: Recommending specific herbs and herbal formulas to balance doshas, support organ function and address health issues. Detoxification Teas: Blends designed to cleanse the body and support the natural detoxification processes.
Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching Daily Routine (Dinacharya): Guidance on establishing a daily routine that supports natural circadian rhythms, including sleep, exercise and meditation practices. Seasonal Routine (Ritucharya): Advice on adjusting lifestyle and diet with the changing seasons to maintain balance and health.
Body Treatments
Panchakarma: A comprehensive detoxification treatment that includes procedures to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins and is tailored to the individual. Treatment includes
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): A soothing full body massage with herbal oils selected according to the client's dosha, promoting relaxation, circulation and detoxification.
Shirodhara: A relaxation therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead, particularly effective for stress, insomnia and certain neurological conditions.
Nasya (medicated oil is administered through the nostrils).
MEET OUR TEAM
Romany Rix,
BAAAP, MBAMC, MAMA
I am an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Clinical Nutritionist and Wellness Consultant with more than 16 years of clinical experience. I am also qualified in Marmapucture, a traditional Ayurvedic therapy, similar to acupuncture. I currently hold the position of Vice-Chair on the Executive Committee of The British Association of Accredited Ayurvedic Practitioners where I continue to protect and promote Ayurveda in the UK. I also serve on the board of the British Ayurvedic Medical Council and I am Vice Chair of their Maintenance and Standards Committee.
Gloria Sinclair,
BAAAP
"I graduated with Romany at Thames Valley University in London in 2003 and did my internship at SDM Hospital, Hassan, India. I have been practising Ayurveda for the last 12 years and have successfully treated many patients with Ayurvedic therapies and medicines. For the past 12 years I have been on the Executive Committee of BAAAP and deal with patient care".
Vijaya Yadlapalli
I am a therapist and well-being advisor and offer counselling and empowerment to individuals, helping them achieve optimal health and happiness by fostering positive lifestyle habits and coping strategies.
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